Finicky: meaning, definitions and examples

Describes someone who is overly concerned with minor details or exactness, often used to describe people who are hard to please.

• He's so finicky about his food that he carries his own condiments.
• The finicky artist insisted on using a very specific shade of blue.

Describes someone who is difficult to please and often upset about small or unimportant things; this word can carry a mildly negative connotation.

• The child is so fussy that he won't eat anything green.
• She's fussy about the way her books are arranged on the shelf.

Describes someone who is very selective and hard to please, usually carries a negative or slightly pejorative connotation.

• She's extremely picky when it comes to dating, rejecting anyone who doesn't meet all her criteria.
• The picky eater would only eat plain pasta with no sauce.

Used to describe someone who is concerned with satisfying specific preferences or standards; can be neutral or mildly negative depending on context.

• He's very particular about his coffee and won't drink it unless it's freshly ground.
• She's particular about her work environment, insisting on a clean and organized desk.

Indicates a person who makes careful choices and is selective, generally used in a more neutral or positive context.

• She's quite choosy about the clothes she buys, only opting for sustainable brands.
• Being choosy about friends can lead to deeper and more meaningful relationships.

Conveys a method of careful selection based on specific criteria, usually in a more neutral or positive context.

• The hiring manager is very selective, ensuring only the best candidates are considered.
• He's selective about which projects he takes on, focusing on those that align with his values.

Describes someone or something that is excessively particular or demanding about details or choices.

• She is so finicky about her food that it's hard to cook for her
• He is a finicky editor who insists on perfection in every sentence

Describes someone or something that has unpredictable or changeable moods, often used in a slightly negative sense.

• The temperamental artist would sometimes cancel shows last minute
• The old car is temperamental and doesn't always start

Describes something that presents difficulties or problems and is hard to deal with.

• The new policy is problematic because it doesn't consider long-term effects
• Getting to the meeting on time can be problematic with this traffic

Used for something that is difficult to handle or deal with, often requiring skill or careful attention.

• Solving this puzzle is tricky because of its complexity
• Interviewing a celebrity can be tricky due to their busy schedules

Used for something or someone that is easily affected by external factors or emotions, often requiring careful handling.

• He's very sensitive and takes criticism to heart
• The equipment is sensitive to changes in temperature

Describes someone or something that is not consistent and can change suddenly, making it hard to forecast or prepare for.

• The weather in this region is extremely unpredictable
• Her behavior is unpredictable, which makes it difficult to work with her